Landmark Jewellery Quarter build-to-rent neighbourhood opens for reservations following major city centre transformation Reservations have officially gone live at Makers Place, Moda Living and Apache Capital’s landmark Build-to-Rent neighbourhood in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, marking a major milestone in the delivery of a significant city-centre regeneration project. The scheme delivers 722 high-quality rental homes across a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses, forming a long-term, operationally efficient rental neighbourhood in a key central Birmingham location. The project has reactivated a long-vacant city-centre site that had remained undeveloped for over 70 years in a key gateway position. Contributing to the ongoing regeneration of the city’s renowned Jewellery Quarter, Makers Place brings the plot back into use and establishes a thriving new gateway neighbourhood the centre of Birmingham. The development comprises three buildings ranging from five to 39 storeys, forming a distinctive new addition to Birmingham’s skyline and joining The Mercian – Moda and Apache Capital’s first Birmingham development and one of the city’s tallest residential buildings. Designed by Ryder Architecture and delivered by Sisk, Makers Place has been shaped through a highly contextual design approach, responding directly to its position between the historic Jewellery Quarter, with elegant, elaborate brick work in a low-rise design, blending seamlessly into the more contemporary design high rise design on the edge of the nearby Colmore Business District.   The project has also delivered significant economic and social value during construction. Over 600 jobs were created through Sisk and the wider supply chain, with 788 employees in project-related roles based within 11 miles of the site. The scheme has supported 185 individuals previously long-term unemployed into work, alongside care leavers, prison leavers, ex-military personnel and individuals with disabilities. In addition, 42 apprentices, graduates and interns have been engaged, with 116 people under 24 supported into employment or training. To further integrate the neighbourhood into its Jewellery Quarter community Moda launched reservations with the introduction of five local Makers – creative individuals running independent businesses in the area – to embed the local character into the resident experience at Makers Place from day one. The makers include: Residents will also benefit from the Moda Apache JV’s most considered and elevated range of amenities to date, including a sky lounge and bar with views over the city, co-working spaces, private dining rooms, rooftop terraces and landscaped courtyards, alongside a 24-hour gym and fitness studio and cinema room. Strategically located within walking distance of Snow Hill and Birmingham New Street stations, Makers Place sits within a well-connected city centre location. Richard Smith, MD Operations at Moda Living, said: “Makers Place is an exciting and important addition to our Birmingham portfolio, and we’re pleased to now have reservations live ahead of welcoming our first residents to this amazing new neighbourhood in the summer. “As the Build-to-Rent market continues to evolve, differentiation is key. At Makers Place, we’ve focused on creating a neighbourhood that reflects the character of the Jewellery Quarter, while delivering the quality, consistency and service that define Moda. The inclusion of our local makers plays a central role in bringing that to life, ensuring residents feel connected to the area and their homes from day one.” Richard Lawrence, Executive Director for Place, Prosperity and Sustainability at Birmingham City Council, said: “Makers Place is a landmark development for Birmingham, and it’s exciting to see it reach this important milestone. The scheme has transformed a site that stood vacant for decades into a vibrant new part of the city centre, and in doing so sets a new standard for ambitious, design-led regeneration. “It shows what can be achieved when partners work together with a shared vision to create places that genuinely add to the life of the city.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Ballymore has been given the green light by Newham Council for a major 1,700-home riverside development in Silvertown, east London, marking another significant step in the regeneration of the Royal Docks. The 5.26ha Knights Road scheme, designed by Allies and Morrison, will transform a Docklands site south of London City Airport. The land sits between North Woolwich Road, the River Thames, Lyle Park and neighbouring industrial plots, close to West Silvertown DLR station. The plans include 334 affordable homes, alongside new workspace, retail space and community uses. A first phase has detailed consent for around 640 homes in three buildings ranging from six to 18 storeys, with about 2,300 sq m of flexible commercial space. Outline permission covers the remainder of the site, allowing the wider neighbourhood to be built out over time. The development is intended to play a key role in regenerating this part of Silvertown, bringing new homes, jobs and public spaces to an area that has long been shaped by industrial uses and underused riverside land. It will also fund major improvements to Lyle Park, the 4.5-acre riverside green space gifted to the community by Abram Lyle of Tate & Lyle 100 years ago. Flood defences along the Thames will also be upgraded. The scale of the project means the application must now be referred to the Mayor of London for final sign-off before it can move forward. For Ballymore, the approval underlines its continued focus on large mixed-use regeneration schemes in London in 2026. The developer is already closely associated with major capital projects, including schemes in the Docklands and east London, and Knights Road adds to its pipeline of high-density, waterside developments. Ballymore is expected to continue detailed design work before starting the first phase on site in early 2028. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Bellway has submitted detailed plans for a development of much-needed new homes in South Hertfordshire. The company secured outline planning permission for the project and completed the purchase of the 12-acre site in Colney Heath in November last year. Its proposals for the 155-home development, to be known as Roestock Meadows and accessed off Roestock Lane, include a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments and two, three, four and five-bedroom houses. Ali Maruf, Managing Director of Bellway North London, said: “Our plans for Roestock Meadows would deliver a highly sustainable development which would make a significant contribution towards meeting the need for high-quality homes in this popular part of South Hertfordshire. “There’s a real demand for new housing here given Colney Heath’s proximity to St Albans, the city’s excellent rail links to central London, and the wide choice of highly rated schools within the area. “We have taken great care to ensure that our development would be a positive and sensitive addition to the village, with homes designed to reflect the appearance of existing houses in the area through the use of features such as dark weatherboard, dormer windows and gable-end chimneys. “Landscaping has also been carefully considered, with the majority of trees and hedgerows on site to be retained and a comprehensive planting programme put forward to improve biodiversity. We also plan to provide a new children’s play area in a central area of open space featuring three large trees for the community to enjoy. “This is a sustainable location for people to live, within walking distance of the village primary school, pub, takeaway and Post Office – and the new residents which the development would attract would further support these important village amenities. “We have also committed to significant financial investment in local education, health services, bus routes and community facilities as part of the planning agreement for the outline permission already in place for the project.” Bellway North London is currently building homes across Hertfordshire – at King George’s Vale in Cuffley, Forster Park in Stevenage and St James’ Park and Goodsyard in Bishop’s Stortford. For more information, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/north-london. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Buckinghamshire Advantage, a wholly owned subsidiary of Buckinghamshire Council, has signed a partnership agreement with Barratt Redrow to progress the 495-acre ‘Woodlands’ development to the south-east of Aylesbury, next to the A41.    The flagship site has planning permission for over 1,100 high-quality new homes, (including 220 affordable new homes) new community and sports facilities including a 40-acre sports village and pitches, a hotel and conference centre, and one million square feet of business and employment space. Around 344-acres will consist of formal and informal open green space, enhancing the natural environment, and making it a great place to live, work, or visit. A core element of the scheme is ensuring adequate infrastructure. Woodlands will deliver a key section of the Aylesbury ring road – the Eastern Link Road (South), linking both the award-winning Barratt Redrow Kingsbrook development and Woodlands to the A41.  This will not only provide essential road infrastructure for the new development but will also ease congestion and improve connectivity around Aylesbury, making it much easier to travel in and around the town.  Located between Kingsbrook and Hampden Fields developments, and just 2.5 miles from the town centre, Woodlands will boost investment in Aylesbury by providing new homes, schools, community and healthcare facilities, and sports and leisure amenities – all of which will create new employment opportunities. Steven Broadbent, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, said: “This is a milestone moment which moves us forward on the development of this flagship scheme that will improve the lives of residents – providing more housing, creating more jobs, and improving local infrastructure.  This is about building the right development in the right place, reflecting what this county needs, modern, affordable and sustainable housing that contributes more widely to community life and accelerates other important infrastructure developments in the area. The award-winning Kingsbrook development is a real success story, and we look forward to working together on this project too.” Richard Harrington, Managing Director, Buckinghamshire Advantage, adds: “Buckinghamshire Advantage has consistently promoted Aylesbury Woodlands given the importance of the site to the county as a whole. It will enable vast improvements to infrastructure, and the plans for the site include a biodiversity enhancement scheme, plus we have secured outline and reserved matters planning consent so that – now we have an agreement with the developer, the whole project can progress. Overall, The Aylesbury Woodlands development provides a unique opportunity to enhance and expand the town’s housing, employment, and essential infrastructure.” Lauren Potter, Development Director at Barratt Redrow on behalf of the North Thames division, commented: “This agreement marks a major milestone for Barratt Redrow North Thames and Buckinghamshire Advantage. Further strengthening our longstanding partnership behind our adjacent multi‑award‑winning Kingsbrook development. Woodlands will extend and build upon this success, creating a new sustainable and high-quality destination for Aylesbury. The community will benefit from the delivery of; new homes, new high-tech sport and employment facilities, and major new highway infrastructure with c.58% of Woodlands providing nature-led recreational open space. “By working with our partners at Buckinghamshire Advantage, we will create another award-winning major development. We therefore look forward to achieving the second milestone which involves securing a reserved matters planning permission for the delivery of all the infrastructure and c.400 homes.”     In recent weeks there has also been a resolution to grant planning consent for the works to improve the A41 roundabout junction which facilitates the development of housing and employment in the area. This all represents significant progress to spur on sustainable growth and development in Buckinghamshire. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Linear Living has completed work on its £34M Trafford Gardens development, with the final 116 homes delivered, bringing the total to 149 in Old Trafford. The developer finished the second phase of work on the Talbot Road scheme last month after a two-year construction process. The phase two 116 apartments are spread across 13 storeys. These include 65 one-bedroom, 48 two-bedroom, and 3 three-bedroom properties. The development features several communal areas. These include a rooftop garden and a private courtyard. The homes have all been sold off-plan to a mixture of investors and owner-occupiers. Linear Design & Construct, an associated company of Linear Living, began the scheme in January 2024. The project was completed in two phases. Phase one was delivered in September 2025. The initial phase delivered 33 homes for affordable housing, which were all purchased by not-for-profit Salford-based housing association, Irwell Valley Homes. The organisation currently lets them on a rent-to-buy basis. Trafford Gardens falls within the Trafford Civic Quarter masterplan, which aims to revitalise the area surrounding Old Trafford Cricket Ground and create a thriving residential community. The development is situated just 300m from both Old Trafford and Trafford Bar Metrolink stops. Old Trafford Football Stadium and Old Trafford Cricket Ground are walkable in ten minutes. The project team for Trafford Gardens included contractor Linear Design & Construct and Peak Properties, which acted as the advisor and agent for the sale.  Other stakeholders included the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Maslow Capital, with the scheme initially designed by Tim Groom Architects before being taken over by JDA Architects. Stephen Holmes, CEO of Linear Living, said: “The Trafford Gardens development is a culmination of hard work, resilience and determination by the entire project team. It’s fantastic to unveil these homes, which set the standard for new residential communities across Old Trafford. “Selling the entire development off-plan demonstrates the desirability of the area and the exceptional quality of the properties. The scheme boasts a prime location for owner-occupiers and renters, largely thanks to its seamless connectivity to Manchester city centre.  “We’re confident the Trafford Gardens residents will breathe new life into the area, helping to boost wider regeneration efforts.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Work has started in Hamilton to deliver 142 new homes, representing a £42 million investment from top 10 housebuilder Keepmoat. Set to transform the former Bell College site, Keepmoat will deliver a mixed tenure scheme, including 36 affordable homes in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council.  The much needed development will offer a range of homes including apartments, terraced, semi-detached and detached houses, together with new pedestrian routes, public play areas and green spaces. Tim Metcalfe, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat Scotland, said: “At Keepmoat we’re committed to breathing new life into brownfield sites and creating well-connected, multi-tenure communities and our significant investment at Hamilton is testament to that.  “As a partnership-first housebuilder, we’re also proud to be delivering affordable homes alongside South Lanarkshire Council to create much-needed accessible options. It’s great to see work start on this site as it prepares to transform a disused area in the town.” The new site will provide 36 new council homes, including a number of homes for tenants with particular needs, and will be jointly funded by the council and the Scottish Government through their Affordable Housing Supply Programme funding. Stephen Gibson, Executive Director of Housing and Technical Resources at South Lanarkshire Council, added: “These affordable homes will be a welcome addition to the council’s housing stock and will help meet the varying needs of people across Hamilton. “We are determined to provide residents across the council area with high-quality homes, and that is exactly what will be provided through this partnership with Keepmoat. I am delighted to see the work beginning that will revitalise what has been a derelict site in a prime location and am looking forward to seeing the genuine difference it will bring to people’s lives.” The site was also formerly home to Hamilton Barracks before it was converted into a college and the Almada Street Campus sold by the University of the West of Scotland (UWS). Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership homebuilder with a track-record of delivering quality homes in regions across the UK. To date, Keepmoat has built over 35,000 homes, transforming brownfield sites into thriving new communities.  For more information, please visit www.keepmoat.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Hull City Council has submitted plans for the first phase of the East Bank Urban Village, a major regeneration scheme set to transform land along the River Hull into a new residential neighbourhood. The council is working in partnership with ECF, a development collaboration between Homes England, L&G and Muse, to deliver what is expected to become one of the city’s largest regeneration projects. The initial application includes detailed proposals for phase one, alongside outline plans for a wider development that could eventually deliver around 850 homes opposite Hull’s Old Town. Once central to the city’s maritime economy, the East Bank area has seen decades of decline and is now largely made up of surface car parks and vacant brownfield land. The East Bank Urban Village is planned as a 15-year development that will introduce a mix of affordable housing and Build-To-Rent apartments, alongside retail, leisure and community spaces. Plans also include new streets, public squares, green areas and a riverside promenade aimed at improving connectivity and encouraging walking and cycling. Phase one will form the foundation of the project, delivering 37 townhouses and 78 apartments across two buildings. All homes in this phase will be designated as affordable housing, targeting local demand and promoting accessibility. The first phase will also incorporate infrastructure improvements, including a landing for the Scale Lane bridge on the eastern side of the River Hull and a connection to the Trinity Buoy Shed, a historic structure set to be brought back into use as part of the wider redevelopment. Future phases are expected to deliver more than 700 additional apartments, both Build-To-Rent and affordable, while improving links to nearby areas such as the Fruit Market district. Plans also include the revitalisation of the Drypool Basin area into a new community space. Public consultation played a key role in shaping the proposals. During engagement sessions held in September and October 2025, residents highlighted priorities such as increased green space, better traffic management, enhanced biodiversity and the reuse of historic buildings like the former Lock Keeper’s Cottage. The project is backed by £9.8 million in government Levelling Up Partnership funding, which will support early infrastructure and enabling works. It is also expected to contribute significantly to the council’s target of delivering 2,500 new homes in Hull city centre under its Local Plan. Sustainability is a key focus, with the development incorporating modern materials and technologies such as sustainable drainage systems in line with the city’s ‘Living With Water’ initiative. The East Bank Urban Village has also been selected as a national case study by the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum, an annual industry event held in Leeds. A newly released video case study highlights the partnership between the council and ECF and aims to attract further investment into Hull’s regeneration efforts. If approved, the project is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of Hull’s riverside and boosting confidence among investors as development progresses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Latimer at Lumina Village is soon set to launch in Trafford, a new collection of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom homes available with shared ownership. Launching on 17th April, the development represents Latimer’s continued investment in Manchester’s affordable housing market and offers a rare opportunity to buy with shared ownership in a thriving city suburb. Part of a wider regeneration project, Latimer at Lumina Village will host a mix of contemporary apartments and spacious townhouses, designed to suit a variety of buyers, from young professionals to growing families, and will help shape a vibrant new community in the heart of Trafford. Latimer at Lumina Village has been thoughtfully conceived to champion sustainable, sociable living at the vibrant heart of this much-loved pocket of Manchester.  Featuring cycle- and pedestrian-friendly pathways, generous lawns, landscaped gardens and wildflower planting, it offers the ideal setting for homebuyers seeking a greener, more balanced lifestyle within the city. The architecture reflects the area’s traditional red-brick character, with a varied roofline of three, six and seven-storey buildings adding visual interest throughout the development. Positioned directly opposite Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground, Latimer at Lumina Village also provides the perfect location for residents to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of match days and summer events. Tobias Brown, Sales Director for Latimer Homes in the North, comments: “It’s a pleasure to officially launch Latimer at Lumina Village, our latest contribution to affordable homes in Manchester. For many, buying a home in a large city can often feel like making a set of compromises. Lumina Village defies that expectation – at the centre of the Trafford regeneration and with doorstep links to the city centre, this entire development is fully affordable. We’re excited to present such a valuable opportunity for new residents to be a part of a mixed and vibrant neighborhood in an up-and-coming region.” Both the apartments and townhouses at Lumina Village have been crafted to a high-quality specification, with every home designed to maximise light and space. Open-plan kitchen and living spaces flow effortlessly beneath floor-to-ceiling windows, filling each home with natural light and creating bright, welcoming interiors. Selected homes also benefit from private outdoor space, extending living beyond the indoors.  Kitchens feature sleek laminated worktops and integrated appliances, including ovens, fridges and freezers, while bathrooms are finished with contemporary, luxury tiling. These refined, practical spaces enhance the generous living areas, offering the perfect balance of comfort, flexibility and effortless entertaining. Latimer at Lumina Village offers homebuyers the opportunity to buy a share of a property, starting at 40%, with a much smaller deposit than would be required at open-market value. Homeowners then pay subsidised rent on the rest of the property, with the option to staircase their ownership and buy more shares at their own pace. This offers a chance for buyers to secure a home without a large deposit, providing a more affordable route onto Manchester’s property ladder. As part of the wider Old Trafford Regeneration Project which includes major investment in new homes, public spaces and infrastructure alongside plans for a world‑class Manchester United stadium, residents here will benefit from a revitalised, future‑focused district. The transformation will bring long‑term growth, improved transport connections and community‑led amenities to the area. Homes at Lumina Village offer the ideal balance between green, open space and vibrant city living. The development is surrounded by well‑landscaped parks, including nearby Longford Park, home to the popular Stretford Saturday Parkrun. For longer scenic walks and weekend activities, residents can head to Chorlton just a few minutes’ drive away, with its beautiful nature reserve and two expansive water parks.  At the same time, some of Manchester’s best restaurants, bars and independent cafés are within easy reach, placing the energy of the city’s thriving food and drink scene right on your doorstep. Latimer at Lumina Village also sits at the centre of a buzzing entertainment scene. Sports fans are moments from world‑class action, with Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium close by. Directly opposite, Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground brings a lively, energetic atmosphere to summer weekends. Culture lovers will feel equally at home, with MediaCity, a major UK hub for media, creative and tech industries just around the corner, and the full breadth of Manchester’s cultural scene within easy reach. The development will appeal to both families and young professionals seeking excellent transport links and strong education options. With the Old Trafford Metrolink stop on the doorstep, residents can reach Deansgate and Manchester Piccadilly stations in approximately 20 and 25 minutes, enabling seamless travel across the city and beyond. The wider Trafford area also has a strong reputation for education, offering highly rated primary and secondary free schools. Just next door is University Academy 92, a pioneering institution offering degrees and courses in sport, business, media and digital studies. Prices at Latimer at Lumina Village start from £89,000 for a 40% share of a one bedroom apartment. Further information can be found at  https://www.latimerhomes.com/new-build-homes/manchester/homes-trafford/lumina Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

As they continue their long-term commitment to the transformation of Park Hill in Sheffield, joint venture partners Urban Splash and Places for People have appointed GMI Construction Group PLC to deliver the fourth phase of the landmark development.  The news follows a recent £6.4m deal with Homes England and news that Great Places will deliver 24% affordable homes within the new phase. Work has started onsite this month, with GMI leading the construction of 125 new apartments alongside new public realm, EV charging points, car club facilities, and secure bike storage.  Ed Weston, Regional Director for Yorkshire at GMI Construction Group, said: “As a Yorkshire-based company, we’re especially proud to be appointed to deliver the refurbishment of Phase Four at Park Hill,  a development that holds enormous architectural and cultural importance for the city of Sheffield and the wider region. Projects of this nature demand a sensitive, experienced approach, and GMI’s strong track record in refurbishment and urban regeneration makes us well placed to work with an iconic and much-loved landmark of this scale.  “Phase 4 represents the next chapter in Park Hill’s careful evolution. Our priority is exceptional delivery, respecting the building’s heritage while creating high-quality, sustainable homes and public spaces that will support a thriving, long-term community.”  The new homes will build on decades of progress made by Urban Splash and Places for People at Park Hill, where the partnership has already completed 455 homes, accommodation for 356 students, more than 50,000 sq ft of commercial workspace, and extensive landscaping and public realm.  A fifth phase – which already has planning consent – will deliver a further 105 homes (a mix of one- to four-bedroom apartments, duplexes and townhouses), alongside 2,000 sq ft of new commercial space for independent local businesses, complementing the area’s growing community of occupiers including South Street Kitchen, The Pearl, and the Grace Owen Nursery.  Nilam Buchanan, Regional Managing Director for Central and North Developments at Places for People, added: “We’re proud of what’s been achieved at Park Hill so far – creating new homes and public spaces in a setting with real heritage. This next phase continues our commitment to creating thriving communities and making the area a great place to live, work and visit.”  Sian Stanhope of Urban Splash, who is Development Manager at Park Hill, said: “This next phase marks another step forward in the long-term regeneration of Park Hill. Our ambition has always been to create a vibrant, mixed community here – and this milestone brings us even closer to delivering on that vision.”  Urban Splash and Places for People are also working in joint venture on the development of Port Loop in Birmingham, where their latest phase – Mansion House – has just completed, offering 58 new apartments across a mix of tenures.  For further information and to register for details of the new homes visit: https://www.urbansplash.co.uk/regeneration/projects/park-hill Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Housebuilder Taylor Wimpey is submitting a planning application for a 252-home scheme at Clasper Village in Gateshead, advanced in partnership with Gateshead Council. The elevated site overlooks the River Tyne and is earmarked for regeneration. The land is being readied for development using £3 million of funding secured through North East Mayor Kim McGuinness. The application seeks full consent for a mix of one to four-bedroom homes, together with new access routes, landscaping and upgrades to public spaces. The council is set to purchase 15% of the properties. Of the council-bought homes, two thirds will be for affordable or social rent and one third for affordable sale, including Shared Ownership. Within walking and cycling distance of both Gateshead town centre and Newcastle city centre, the proposals aim to encourage sustainable travel and maximise access to green and natural spaces. New pedestrian and cycle links, areas for recreation and carefully integrated landscaping are central to the masterplan. The plans have been developed with north-based P+HS Architects, establishing a clear design vision focused on a walkable neighbourhood that connects strongly with green space and the riverside. The plot sits close to Staiths South Bank, the award-winning neighbourhood previously delivered by Taylor Wimpey, marking a fresh phase in Gateshead’s riverside regeneration. Mark Fletcher, Land and Planning Director at Taylor Wimpey North East, said: “Submitting our plans for Clasper Village marks a significant milestone for this site. “Working in partnership with Gateshead Council and the North East Mayor, our proposals will deliver a thoughtfully designed neighbourhood that reflects the character of the riverside while creating new opportunities for people to live close to the centres of Gateshead and Newcastle. Subject to planning approval, we look forward to seeing this new community take shape in the years ahead.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals